From past sixth weeks, authorities have not allowed devotees to offer Friday prayers at the mosque while the head priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq continues to be under house arrest.

Scores of traders carrying placards and banners joined together and staged a peaceful protest.

The protesting traders were demanding an end to lockdown, release of Mirwaiz and lifting of siege from Jamia Masjid.

The protest was organized by Kashmir Economic Alliance and Kashmir Traders and Munfacturers Forum (KTMF).

The traders said that anti-people policies pursued by government will have serious ramifications. They termed the lockdown of Jamia Masjid and house arrest of Mirwaiz as direct interference into religious affairs. (CNS)